CAN’T

A small word, but with so much power to do harm. As you may know, I pride myself on being a positive person. However, lately I’ve caught myself using the “C” word way more than I used to. Actually, my younger daughter, the owner of a Pilates studio, overheard me saying something like, “I can’t do five days of exercise in a row.”

She took me to task for that on Sunday when both girls and the grands were outside at the lakehouse. While she went on a bit long (all three of us are inclined that way), she had a point. I can indeed do five days of exercise in a row. In fact, I probably should. What I meant to say was, “I don’t want to.” I was speaking from a position of pain because I’d overdone with my trainer at the gym and was still agonizingly sore.  She also didn’t hear me say later to my Pilates instructor, “The gym is great, but nothing beats Pilates.” 

I started at the gym because my new insurance offers a “Silver Sneakers” program so I can attend certain gyms for free. (Well, it would’ve been free, if I hadn’t taken the 6 classes with a trainer. LOL After I finish the 6 sessions, it will be free.) Anyway, I like that there is a sauna and a whirlpool, both are great for arthritis.

So back to the issue of “Can’t.” I CAN do anything I set my mind, too. Some things I don’t WANT to do. I’m probably safe in saying I’m never going skydiving. Good for you President Bush. I’m impressed, but that’s not for me. I just don’t wanta do that.

I tell Charley, our deaf Jack Russell/Chihuahua mix, that I can’t walk on a particular side of the road. I can, but I don’t want to because it has a bigger slant than I want to mess with. There’s a bit of fear mixed in because I could wrench my ankle if I step wrong on the slant. Why should I take the chance when I have a flat area on the other side?  From now on I’m going to tell Charley, I don’t want to walk on that side.

Let’s look at the issue of eating. I CAN lose weight. I chronicled my 28-pound loss a couple of years ago, here on my blog. I’ve been struggling with losing it again because as we all know, it’s awfully easy for the pounds to creep back on when you go back to eating the way you did before you went on the diet. I do have something of a legitimate excuse because of breaking my ankle and sitting for two months with my foot in the air. (Wednesday I went to my last Physical therapy session!)  But I was warned by a friend that could happen if you weren’t careful. 

Well, I wasn’t careful. I felt so sorry for myself. Couldn’t come and go the way I was used to, had lost control of a bunch in my life, had pain, and I comforted myself with food.

Back in December I started again (for the umpteenth time) and lost 6 lbs. Yea, thought I was on a roll. Well, it was Christmas and you know if you don’t want to do something, you can always find an excuse.

I have a good friend Renée Jones, whose written a great book based on her counseling sessions with folks and her own experience. What’s Really Eating You?  Overcome the Triggers of Comfort Eating If you need help dealing with your “stuff,” she’s your girl. I’ll share links here. My minister’s wife Amy Baer  #transformationtuesday #fitmom #fitjourney  (Check her out on Instagram) has a cool thing going with FB videos of her cooking fresh, healthy foods for her family. Her before and after pics are amazing and the food is good, too. I’m sure portion control plays a roll in this.

Writing down, as I’ve mentioned before is very important (at least for me). Basically, it gets down to, Can I eat this sandwich? Do I want to eat this sandwich?

The answer to both of those is yes. A better question might be, Can I eat a salad instead of the sandwich? And again, the answer is yes.

Can I eat three scoops of ice cream after the salad. Yes, but I choose not to do that. Better than saying, I can’t eat ice cream, or chips, or whatever the temptation is.

 So, thanks for letting me share (once again) my issues with eating and weight. How are you doing? Was this one of your New Year’s Resolutions or Goals? What have you found that works for you on reaching your goals? Is “CAN’T” a word you use too frequently? Love to hear from you.

BOOK SIGNING: Haltom City Public Library, Friday, Feb. 10 6:30-8:30. All romance authors, books, readings, chocolate, baskets to win. Lots of fun. If you’re in the DFW area, hope you’ll stop by.

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